This document is designed to help our teams understand the specific tracking tools we will be deploying across our websites to enhance marketing effectiveness and user experience. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the cookies associated with each analytics and marketing tool.

Google Analytics 4 (GA4)
Purpose: GA4 uses cookies to track and collect data about visitor interactions, emphasizing events and user properties over sessions and pageviews. This allows for more flexible data collection and deeper insights.

•  _ga: Assigns a randomly generated number as a client identifier to distinguish unique users.
• ga<container-id>: Stores and updates a unique value for each page visited, specific to the GA4 property.
• _gid: Stores and updates a unique value for each page visited, used to distinguish users. Expires after 24 hours.
• gat_gtag<property_id>: Limits data collection on high-traffic sites. Expires after 1 minute.
• gac_gb<property_id>: Contains campaign-related information about the user.

Compliance Note:

GA4 can also function without cookies in a cookieless measurement mode, aiding in compliance with privacy regulations.
Meta Pixel (Formerly Facebook Pixel)
Purpose: The Meta Pixel utilizes cookies to track user interactions for advertising purposes, enhancing the effectiveness of ad campaigns and targeting.

• _fbp: Distinguishes and tracks unique users.
• fr: Contains a unique combination of user ID and browser ID, primarily used for advertising.
• datr: Identifies the browser used to connect to Facebook, critical for security and site integrity.
• c_user and xs: Work together to authenticate user identity on Facebook.
• spin, wd, and dpr: Various purposes including ad management, optimizing browser window dimensions, and adjusting display resolution.

Compliance Note: It is crucial to be aware of privacy regulations like GDPR and ensure user consent before implementation.

LinkedIn Insight Tag

Purpose: The LinkedIn Insight Tag deploys cookies for tracking conversions, retargeting visitors, and gathering insights about LinkedIn members interacting with the site.

• _lipt: Used for routing and to enable LinkedIn features on the site.
• UserMatchHistory: Synchronizes LinkedIn Ads ID for retargeting and analytics.
• bcookie: Identifies devices to detect platform abuse.
• lang: Stores user language preferences.
• lidc and lissc: Facilitate data center selection and ensure proper cookie usage.
• li_gc: Stores consent regarding non-essential cookies.

Compliance Note:

Compliance with privacy laws and user consent is mandatory, ensuring users are informed about cookie usage.

Implementation and Compliance
When implementing these tools, it's essential to:
1.    Obtain User Consent: Clearly inform users about the cookies being used and obtain their consent prior to collection.
2.    Respect Privacy Choices: Ensure mechanisms are in place to respect user privacy settings and comply with legal requirements.
3.    Regular Updates: Keep this guide and cookie policies updated as new cookies are implemented or regulations change.

By following this, we aim to enhance our digital marketing initiatives while upholding our commitment to user privacy and regulatory compliance.